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Team News Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway will not be able to hand a debut to summer signing Jerome Thomas when the Eagles welcome Tottenham to Selhurst Park on Sunday.

The 30-year-old winger suffered an ankle injury in a friendly against Lazio last weekend and is set to be sidelined for at least two weeks.

However, a host of other new signings could be in line for their competitive debuts with the likes of Marouane Chamakh and Elliott Grandin likely to be involved.

Captain Paddy McCarthy is back in training but will not be ready while Glenn Murray and Yannick Bolasie are also absent.

Meanwhile, unsettled Tottenham forward Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Sunday's game because of a foot injury.

Defender Jan Vertonghen is doubtful due to an ankle injury he suffered in pre-season while midfielder Lewis Holtby misses out with a knee injury.

Striker Emmanuel Adebayor will not feature as he only returned from compassionate leave on Wednesday while midfielder Scott Parker is expected to be left out of the squad as he is in talks with other clubs about a move away from White Hart Lane.

Match Notes Despite an impressive summer of recruitment Andre Villas-Boas's preparations for this season have been overshadowed by the Gareth Bale saga and this game will be no different.

With Bale missing from the visit to Selhurst Park, Tottenham have an opportunity to prove the future is bright with potential debuts for record signing Roberto Soldado and Paulinho.

Crystal Palace are still struggling to bring in players of their own and this game could provide Ian Holloway with a stark reminder of what is needed.

Betting: Home 10-3, Away 4-5, Draw 13-5.

Stat of the game: Tottenham have lost their last five opening-day games away from home.